Information processing apparatus, information processing method, information processing program for performing output setup to device apparatus, and memory medium storing such program therein

ABSTRACT

In an output setup to a device apparatus, when the contents of a plurality of setting items are changed in a lump by using a compound setup consisting of a plurality of setting items, a mismatching of the set contents and a function of the device apparatus is avoided. For this purpose, according to the invention, when the compound setup can be used for a plurality of device apparatuses, the compound setup which is used for the designated device apparatus is selected, and in case of performing the output setup to the designated device apparatus by using the selected compound setup, whether the output can be performed by the contents of each setting item of the compound setup in the device apparatus or not is discriminated in accordance with the function of the device apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention relates to an information processing apparatus, aninformation processing method, and an information processing program forefficiently performing a setup by handling a plurality of setting itemsin a lump in a user interface (hereinafter, simply referred to as UI)and relates to a memory medium in which a processing procedure forrealizing such an information processing program has been stored.

[0003] 2. Related Background Art

[0004] Generally, in an information processing apparatus, the userperforms various setups through the UI (User Interface). There is aninformation processing apparatus having a function such that when thereare many setting items and there is a complicated dependent relationshipamong the setting items or the like, set values of some setting itemsare combined to one group and registered, and the set values of aplurality of setting items are changed in a lump by selecting the groupby the user.

[0005] For example, in a printer driver, the set values regarding aprint quality upon printing such as graphic mode, resolution, colorsetup, replacement of TrueType, and the like are combined as one groupand previously registered in correspondence to respective icons. Uponprinting, by selecting a desired one of a plurality of icons inaccordance with a print purpose, the user can change the set values of aplurality of setting items in a lump. This function is called a “printpurpose setup”.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In the “print purpose setup”, only the setting items regardingthe graphics in the printer driver are mainly used as targets.Therefore, even if the set values of a plurality of setting items can bechanged in a lump, the set values of the setting items can be changed ina lump only on a sheet unit basis. Therefore, unless the sheet to whichthe setting items to be changed belong is opened, the user cannot changethe set values of the setting items.

[0007] On the other hand, there is an apparatus such that a range ofsetting items which can be registered as one group is widened to aplurality of sheets. This function is called a “favorite”. According to“favorite”, almost all of the setting items on the UI are used asregistration targets. Thus, the user can also change the set values ofthe setting items of an arbitrary sheet in a lump. Therefore, aninconvenience as mentioned above in the “print purpose setup” is solvedand the user also can efficiently use a variety of functions of theprinter.

[0008] However, since there are many setting items which can be changedin “favorite”, there is a case where conflict problem occurs with regardto the device option. For example, even when the user sets a two-sided(hereinafter, simply referred to as “2-sided”) print mode, unless a2-sided unit is installed in a printer, a 2-sided print cannot beperformed. Similarly, even if the user sets a mode in which a stapler orthe like is used, unless a dedicated finisher is attached to theprinter, the stapler or the like cannot be used. However, if the setvalues of many setting items are changed in a lump by “favorite”, thesetup is performed while their device conflicts occur.

[0009] In a case where although “favorite” is formed when a dedicateddevice option is installed, the device option is removed upon printing,a case where “favorite” is copied to another device in which thededicated device option is not installed, or the like, an inconveniencesuch that a setting item which cannot be actually executed is set by“favorite” can occur.

[0010] In the invention, therefore, when “favorite” is selected, aninstalling situation or the like of the current device option ischecked. When the setting item which cannot be executed is set, amessage showing such a fact is displayed and the set value is adjusted.As a method of adjusting the set value, there is a method whereby adriver discriminates about the necessity of adjustment and adjusts theset value to a default value or the like or a method whereby the usercan select one of several adjusting methods.

[0011] Particularly, as target setting items, there are setting itemsregarding a 2-sided print, a bookbinding print, a paper supply port, afinisher (having a finishing function such as a stapler or the like),processes depending on a memory, and the like.

[0012] When the set contents of “favorite” are imported from a file, asituation such that “favorite” is copied to a client of a quitedifferent device environment is also considered. Even in this case, bychecking the device environment, adjusting the set values, andregistering them to “favorite”, a troublesomeness such that a message isoutputted every time “favorite” is selected can be avoided.

[0013] To accomplish the above objects, according to the invention, incase of performing an output setup to a device apparatus by using acompound setup comprising a combination of a plurality of setting items,if the compound setup can be used for a plurality of device apparatuses,when the compound setup which is used for the designated deviceapparatus is selected and the output setup for the designated deviceapparatus is performed by using the selected compound setup, whether anoutput can be performed on the basis of the contents of each settingitem of the compound setup or not is discriminated in the relevantdevice apparatus in accordance with the function of this deviceapparatus.

[0014] Further, according to the invention, in the case where it isdetermined in accordance with the function of the relevant deviceapparatus that the output cannot be performed on the basis of thecontents of the setting items in the designated device apparatus, thesetup is performed by the contents according to the function of thedevice apparatus in place of the contents of the setting items.

[0015] Further, according to the invention, in case of performing thesetup in place of the contents of the setting items in accordance withthe function of the device apparatus, its situation is notified to theuser.

[0016] Further, according to the invention, in case of performing thesetup in place of the contents of the setting items in accordance withthe function of the device apparatus, the user is allowed to select itsreplacing method.

[0017] Further, according to the invention, in case of performing thesetup in place of the contents of the setting items in accordance withthe function of the device apparatus, the user is allowed to confirmwhether they are replaced or not.

[0018] Further, according to the invention, in the case where thecompound setup is read out from a file and stored in memory means andthe compound setup is stored in the memory means, whether an output canbe performed on the basis of the contents of each setting item in thedevice apparatus or not is discriminated in accordance with a functionof the device apparatus.

[0019] Further, according to the invention, in the case where it isdetermined in accordance with the function of the relevant deviceapparatus that the output cannot be performed on the basis of thecontents of the setting items in the designated device apparatus, thecompound setup is stored by the contents according to the function ofthe device apparatus in place of the contents of the setting items.

[0020] Further, according to the invention, in case of storing thecompound setup in place of the contents of the setting items inaccordance with the function of the device apparatus, its situation isnotified to the user.

[0021] Further, according to the invention, in case of storing thecompound setup in place of the contents of the setting items inaccordance with the function of the device apparatus, the user isallowed to select its replacing method.

[0022] Further, according to the invention, in case of storing thecompound in place of the contents of the setting items in accordancewith the function of the device apparatus, the user is allowed toconfirm whether they are replaced or not.

[0023] Further, according to the invention, the function of the deviceapparatus is stored.

[0024] Further, according to the invention, the function of the deviceapparatus relates to the presence or absence of an installation of thedevice apparatus.

[0025] Further, according to the invention, the function of the deviceapparatus is a 2-sided printing function of the device apparatus.

[0026] Further, according to the invention, the function of the deviceapparatus is a stapling function of the device apparatus.

[0027] Further, according to the invention, the function of the deviceapparatus is a bookbinding printing function of the device apparatus.

[0028] Further, according to the invention, the function of the deviceapparatus is a function regarding a cassette stage of the deviceapparatus.

[0029] Further, according to the invention, the function of the deviceapparatus is a function regarding a memory capacity of the deviceapparatus.

[0030] Further, according to the invention, the compound setup denotesthat in case of performing the output setup by using a plurality ofsetup sheets in a user interface, a plurality of setting items existingover a plurality of setup sheets are combined.

[0031] Further, according to the invention, the output setup is anoutput setup in a printer driver.

[0032] Further, according to the invention, the output setup is anoutput setup in the printer driver by the printing operation in anapplication.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033]FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system construction towhich the invention is applied;

[0034]FIG. 2 is a block constructional diagram of a host computer;

[0035]FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a dialog for operating“favorite”;

[0036]FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a flowchart showing the whole flow of“favorite”;

[0037]FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a display of “favorite”when setting items are changed;

[0038]FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a flowchart for processes when“favorite” is selected;

[0039]FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a flowchart for processes of aconflict check depending on a device option;

[0040]FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a message when aconflict occurs;

[0041]FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a “favorite” addingdialog;

[0042]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a flowchart for a “favorite” addingprocess;

[0043]FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a message when no nameis inputted;

[0044]FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a message when anoverwrite is confirmed;

[0045]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a “favorite” editingdialog;

[0046]FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a flowchart for processes at the timeof the “favorite” edition;

[0047]FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a dialog when the user setup“favorite” is selected;

[0048]FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a message at the timeof confirmation of deletion;

[0049]FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a dialog for setting adevice option;

[0050]FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a flowchart for processes when thedevice option is set;

[0051]FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a flowchart for processes at the timeof the “favorite” edition;

[0052]FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a memory map of a memory medium tostore a program and data regarding the present invention; and

[0053]FIG. 21 is a constructional diagram showing a functional block ofa print system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0054] An embodiment of the invention will now be described hereinbelowwith reference to the drawings.

[0055]FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an external view of a data processingapparatus to which the invention can be applied. The data processingapparatus is a so-called personal computer (PC) and constructed by adisplay, a data processing main body (including a control board, a harddisk, a floppy disk drive, a CD-ROM drive), an input device (a keyboardand a pointing device (not shown)), and the like.

[0056]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control construction of thedata processing apparatus of FIG. 1. In a host computer 20, a CPU 1reads out various programs such as control program (also including acontrol program based on flowcharts shown in FIGS. 4, 6, 7, 10, 14, 18,and 19), system program, application program, and the like from anexternal memory 12 through a disk controller (DKC) 5 into an RAM 2,executes them, and performs various data processes. The DKC 5 controlsaccesses to the external memories such as FD, HD, CD-ROM, MD, MO, andthe like.

[0057] The RAM 2 is constructed so that its capacity can be expanded byan option RAM or the like (not shown) and is mainly used as a work areaof the CPU 1.

[0058] A keyboard controller (KBC) 3 controls a key input from akeyboard 10 or the pointing device (not shown). A CRT controller (CRTC)4 controls a display of a CRT display (CRT) 11. In the embodiments ofthe invention, the CPU 1 controls the RAM 2, KBC 3, CRTC 4, and DKC 5through a main bus 6 unless otherwise specified.

[0059] In the system constructed as mentioned above, when the userchanges the setup through the user interface (UI) of the application ordevice driver, the host computer receives the input from the KB 10 orthe pointing device (not shown) by the user and displays its state orprocess onto the CRT 11.

[0060]FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a functional construction of aprint system in which a printing apparatus such as a printer or the likeand the host computer are connected by a local interface (Centronicsinterface or USB interface) or a network (Ethernet).

[0061] Each block in a host computer 2100 in FIG. 21 shows a functionwhich is realized by executing a program by the CPU 1 in FIG. 2. Theprogram corresponding to each of an application 2101, a graphic engine2102, a printer driver 2103, and a system spooler 2104 is stored as afile in the external memory 12 in FIG. 2. In the case where the programsare executed, the OS or an upper program (module) which uses the program(module) loads the program into the RAM 2.

[0062] The application 2101 and printer driver 2103 can be supplied froman FD or a CD-ROM (not shown) as an external memory 12. When the userexecutes a printing operation for a printer 2105 by the application2101, the application 2101 first outputs (draws) by using the graphicengine 2102 which has been loaded in the RAM 2 and can be executed.

[0063] The graphic engine 2102 generally provides a common interface forgraphics which does not depend on an output device such as printer,display, or the like to the application.

[0064] The graphic engine 2102 similarly loads the printer driver 2103prepared for every printing apparatus into the RAM 2 from the externalmemory 12 and converts an output of the application 2101 to a controlcommand of the printer by using the printer driver 2103. In thisinstance, the user can perform a print setup to the printer by using theuser interface of the printer driver. In accordance with the printsetup, the printer driver 2103 forms a control command of the printer.

[0065] The formed printer control command is outputted to the printer2105 via the interface by the system spooler 2104 loaded in the RAM 2 bythe OS.

[0066] Although there is a case where “favorite” is formed or read outin the invention, if the “favorite” is formed, it is stored in the RAM 2or external memory 12 unless otherwise specified.

[0067] DLG1 shown in FIG. 3 is an example of a dialog displayed on theCRT 11 shown in FIG. 2. The user can select, add, and edit the“favorite” by the dialog

[0068] Hereinlater, the main substance of the process is the CPU 1 incase of the hardware and is a program which is-executed by the CPU 1 incase of the software unless otherwise specified.

[0069] [Whole Flow]

[0070] A flow of processes regarding “favorite” will now be describedhereinbelow with reference to the example of the dialogues in FIG. 3 anda flowchart of FIG. 4.

[0071] First, when current “favorite” is selected and changed by theuser in a combo box LST11 of DLG1 (YES in step S401), a series ofprocesses regarding the selection change is executed (the details willbe explained hereinlater) (step S402). A process to check a conflictregarding the setup of the printing to be executed from now on(hereinafter, referred to as a current setup) is performed (the detailswill be explained hereinlater) (step S403). A control (set values ofsetting items) on each sheet is changed in accordance with the current“favorite” and a result of the conflict check (step S404).

[0072] When an “add” button BTN11 is depressed (YES in step S405), DLG2shown in FIG. 9 is displayed and a series of processes regarding theaddition is performed (the details will be explained hereinlater) (stepS406). A newly added name is displayed in LST11 so as to become current(step S407).

[0073] When an “edit” button BTN12 is depressed (YES in step S408), DLG3shown in FIG. 13 is displayed and a series of processes regarding theedition of “favorite” is performed (the details will be explainedhereinlater) (step S409).

[0074] When the set contents of the setting items in the other cases arechanged (YES in step S410), since this means that the set contents of“favorite” that is being selected are changed, the display of LST11 isadjusted in order to indicate it (step S411). For example, the displaycolor is changed from black to another color or a text which isdisplayed is changed as shown in FIG. 5.

[0075] The above processes are executed until the dialog is closed (stepS412).

[0076] [Processing Flow for Selection Change of “Favorite”]

[0077] A series of processes regarding the selection change of“favorite” in (step S402) of the flowchart of FIG. 4 will now bedescribed with reference to a flowchart of FIG. 6.

[0078] When the selection change of “favorite” is determined (YES instep S601), a buffer area to hold the current set contents is updated bythe set contents of the selected “favorite” (step S602). Targets to bechanged are all controls (set values of all setting items) on the UIincluding not only a current sheet (sheet of “page setup” in FIG. 3) butalso an inactive sheet (sheet of “finishing”, “paper source”, and“quality” in FIG. 3). Even if the change targets are selected from anysheet, they are the same change targets.

[0079] As specific examples of the setting items in which the set valuescan be registered and changed in a lump by “favorite”, there are aninput/output paper size, a direction of the paper, the number of copies,a page layout (Nup, poster, etc.), a scaling, a stamp, an overlay, aprint mode (1-sided, 2-sided, bookbinding print), details of abookbinding print, a binding direction, a binding margin, a paperejecting mode (sort, staple, etc.), a stapling position, a paper supplymode (the same paper supply for all pages, different paper supply forthe first and last pages, etc.), a name of paper, a print purpose, aresolution, a color setup, etc.

[0080] [Process for Conflict Check]

[0081] The process for conflict check in step S403 of the flowchart ofFIG. 4 will now be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG. 7.

[0082] The “favorite” function uses the set values of almost all of thesetting items existing on the UI as registration targets. However, amongthe setting items, there are setting items such that the printingprocess based on the set values of the setting items can be actuallyexecuted and setting items in which the printing process cannot actuallybe executed because the setting items depend on a device environment,particularly, since they depend on a device option equipped for thedevice.

[0083] Therefore, even if some set contents are selected by “favorite”,the set contents cannot always be executed as they are in the currentdevice environment. To cope with such a situation, a process for aconflict check according to the device option equipped for the device (acheck about the mismatching and an adjusting process of the setup) willnow be described.

[0084] First, device option information held in a device optionregistering unit (on a registry or a specific memory) is read into awork area (step S701). The setting of the device option (for example, afinisher, a paper supply cassette, a memory, etc.) will be describedhereinlater.

[0085] The setting items which are affected by the equipped deviceoption will now be sequentially checked (step S702). Whether theprinting process based on the current set values can be executed or notis discriminated (step S703).

[0086] When it is determined in step S703 that the printing processcannot be executed according to the registered set contents (set values)(NO in step S703), a message showing such a fact is displayed as shownin FIG. 8 (step S704). The set contents (set values) are adjusted (stepS705). If there are a plurality of ways of adjustment, it is alsopossible to display a message indicative of such a fact to thereby allowthe user to select one of them. The processes in steps S703 to S705 areexecuted with regard to all of the setting items which are affected bythe device option.

[0087] Some examples of the device conflict checking process will bementioned here.

[0088] When “favorite” in which the 2-sided mode has been registered isselected although the 2-sided unit is not installed, the print mode ischanged to the 1-sided mode.

[0089] When “favorite” in which there is a stapler is selected althougha finisher which can staple is not installed, the print mode is changedto the no-staple mode.

[0090] When “favorite” in which the bookbinding print mode has beenregistered is selected although a finisher which can perform thebookbinding is not installed, the print mode is changed to the normalprint mode without bookbinding.

[0091] When “favorite” in which the middle binding mode has beenregistered is selected although a finisher which can perform the middlebinding (function to staple the folds in the bookbinding print mode) isnot installed, the print mode is changed to the bookbinding print modewithout middle binding.

[0092] When “favorite” in which a cassette stage which is not installedhas been registered is selected (a case such that although only twocassettes have been installed in the main body, cassette 6 isregistered), the print mode is changed to “auto” of default.

[0093] When “favorite” in which a super fine mode such that the printingcannot be performed unless a memory is expanded has been registered isselected although a memory capacity is insufficient, the print mode ischanged to a print of default setup (normal mode).

[0094] Other whole processes depending on the memory are also changed todefaults.

[0095] Finally, the set contents are returned in state where all of theconflicts are eliminated by the adjusting process (step S706).

[0096] [Registering Flow]

[0097] A series of processes regarding the addition of “favorite” instep S406 of the flow of FIG. 4 will now be described with reference toa flowchart of FIG. 10. DLG2 shown in FIG. 9 is an example of a dialogwhich can add a name, an icon, a comment, or the like of “favorite” tobe added.

[0098] First, the apparatus waits for the input of the name, icon,comment, etc. by the user (step S1001). When a “cancel” button isdepressed (YES in step S1003), the processing routine is finishedwithout performing a process. When an “OK” button is depressed (YES instep S1004), an additional process is started.

[0099] First, whether the name has been inputted or not is discriminated(step S1005). If it is not inputted, a message is displayed as shown inFIG. 11 (step S1006), thereby promoting the user to reinput. Since thename becomes a key to manage “favorite”, it is inevitable to input thename. Subsequently, whether the inputted name is overlapped to the namewhich has already been added or not is discriminated (step S1007). Ifthere is no same name, the contents of the current setup are added to“favorite” DB by using the inputted name as a key (step S1008).

[0100] If the same name which has already been inputted exists in stepS1007, whether the overwriting is performed or not is confirmed to theuser (step S1009). After that, if YES, the name is replaced with theexisting name in “favorite” DB and registered (step S1010). If the nameis not overwritten, the name is reinputted. FIG. 12 shows an example ofan overwrite confirmation message.

[0101] Registration targets are not limited to the current sheet butinclude all controls (set values of all of the setting items) on the UIincluding the inactive sheet. Even if setting items are registered fromany sheet, the registration targets are the same.

[0102] The above processes are continued until the “OK” button or“cancel” button of the dialog is depressed.

[0103] [Editing Flow]

[0104] A series of processes regarding the edition of “favorite” in stepS408 in the flow of FIG. 4 will now be described with reference to anexample of the dialog in FIG. 13 and a flowchart of FIG. 14.

[0105] The user selects any “favorite” from a list LST31 of “favorites”of a dialog DLG13 shown in FIG. 13. A default setup (default setting, noreplacement of TrueType, etc.) which has initially been prepared in theprogram and a user setup (My Favorite Setting) added by the user arelisted in the LST31.

[0106] A flow of processes in the edition of “favorite” will now bedescribed with reference to FIG. 14.

[0107] When any “favorite” is selected by the user (YES in step S1401),if it is a default setup (YES in step S1402), management informationsuch as name, icon, comment, etc. of “favorite”, a “delete” button, andthe like are disabled to be edited so that the user cannot edit (stepS1403). In FIG. 13, since “default setting” as a default setup has beenselected by the user, a name (LST31) of “favorite”, an icon (ICN31), acomment (EDT32), and a “delete” button (BTN31) are lightly displayed,thereby showing that the edition is impossible.

[0108] If it is the user setup, all of them are enabled to be edited(step S1404) and management information (name, icon, comment, etc.)regarding the “favorite” is displayed. FIG. 15 shows an example of theUI at the time when “My Favorite Setting” of the user setup is selectedby the user. By displaying the background of the icon in black, the usercan know which ones of the icons have been registered. The list of“favorites” is also similarly displayed by a black background in amanner such that the “favorite” selected at present by the user can beknown.

[0109] When “favorite” of the user setup is selected, the user can editthe management information (step S1405). When a “delete” button BTN31 isdepressed by the user (YES in step S1407), a confirmation message asshown in FIG. 16 is displayed and, after that, the “favorite” is deletedfrom the “favorite” DB (step S1408).

[0110] When an “export file” button BTN33 is depressed (YES in stepS1409), the current setup is saved in the file, thereby enabling thefile to be exported to the other (step S1410). When a “import file”button BTN32 is depressed (step S1411), an importing process for loadingthe “favorite” saved in the file and adding it into the “favorite” DB isexecuted (step S1412).

[0111] In case of closing the dialog (YES in step S1418), when there isa change in contents by the edition of the user (YES in step S1419), aprocess to leave the contents after the change into the “favorite” DB isperformed. If there is the change, when the name is overlapped to thename of existing another “favorite” (YES in step S1420), whether it isoverwritten or not is confirmed to the user (step S1421).

[0112] If the name is overwritten (YES in step S1421), it is replacedwith the existing “favorite” and registered (step S1422). If “favorite”of the same name does not exist (NO in step S1420), the edited contentsare registered in the “favorite” DB as it is.

[0113] [Process for Setting Device Option]

[0114] Processes when the user sets the setting items of “favorite”,particularly, the set contents (set values) of the setting items of thedevice option in step S410 or the like in the flowchart of FIG. 4 willnow be described with reference to the example of the dialog in FIG. 17and a flowchart of FIG. 18. DLG4 shown in FIG. 17 is an example of adialog to confirm and set a device option equipped for the printer orcopying machine.

[0115] Device option information which the program has at present isfirst loaded into a work area from a device option registering portion(registered in the registry or a specific memory) (step S1801) and thedialog DLG4 is displayed on the basis of this information.

[0116] When a “get device information” button BTN41 is depressed by theuser (YES in step S1802), the information of the device option actuallyequipped is obtained from the device main body by a bidirectionalcommunication with the device (step S1803). The device optioninformation loaded in the work area is updated and reflected to thedisplay of the dialog DLG4 (step S1805).

[0117] The manual setup by the user is also possible. When the userchanges the setup by CTL41 (YES in step S1804), the information of theset device option is held in the work area (step S1805).

[0118] When the “OK” button is depressed (YES in step S1806), the deviceoption information held at present in the work area is saved in thedevice option registering portion (step S1807). When the “cancel” buttonis depressed (YES in step S1808), the device option information in thework area is cancelled (step S1808) and the processing routine on thissheet is finished.

[0119] When the importing process (steps S1411 to S1412) is executed inthe editing flow in FIG. 14, it is also possible to perform the conflictcheck and adjust the setup and subsequently register it. A processingflow in this case will be described hereinbelow with reference to aflowchart of FIG. 19.

[0120] This flow differs from that of FIG. 14 with respect to a pointthat a conflict process in step S1913 is added. Since the subsequentprocesses are similar to those in FIG. 14, their descriptions areomitted here. When data is read out from the file, by registering theset contents (set values) after the device conflict was checked, formed“favorite” becomes “favorite” suitable for the current deviceenvironment. As for the conflict check, fundamentally, a process similarto that described in a flowchart of FIG. 7 is executed.

[0121] In the importing process, there is a process to ask the userwhether the adjusting process should be performed or not. Therefore, byperforming the adjusting process, the “favorite” becomes one suitablefor the current device environment as mentioned above. Even if“favorite” is subsequently selected, no conflict message is displayed.Unless the adjusting process is performed upon importing, the originalsetup can be copied as it is.

[0122] The invention can be applied to a system comprising a pluralityof apparatuses (for example, host computer, interface equipment, reader,printer, and the like) or can be also applied to an apparatus comprisingone device (for example, copying machine, facsimile apparatus, or thelike).

[0123] The objects of the invention are also obviously accomplished by amethod whereby a memory medium in which program codes of software torealize the functions of the first and second embodiment have beenrecorded is supplied to the system or apparatus shown in FIG. 1 or 2 anda computer (or a CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus reads out andexecutes the program codes stored in the memory medium.

[0124] In this case, the program codes themselves read out from thememory medium realize the functions of the embodiments mentioned aboveand the memory medium in which the program codes have been storedconstructs the invention. FIG. 20 shows a memory map of a state wherethe program of the invention has been loaded in the RAM 2 in FIG. 2 andcan be executed.

[0125] Although the embodiment has been shown with respect to theexample in which the present program and concerned data are directlyloaded from the memory medium into the RAM and executed, it is alsopossible to construct the apparatus in a manner such that the presentprogram and concerned data are once stored (installed) from an externalmemory medium such as an FD or the like to a hard disk serving as anon-volatile memory medium in the external memory 12 in FIG. 2 and, whenthe present data forming and transmitting processing control programsare made operative, they are loaded from the hard disk into the RAM 2.

[0126] As a memory medium to supply the program codes, for example, itis possible to use a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, amagnetooptic disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a non-volatilememory card, an ROM, or the like. The invention incorporates not onlythe case where the functions of the embodiments mentioned above arerealized by executing the read-out program codes by the computer butalso the case where the OS (Operating System) or the like which operateson the computer executes a part or all of the actual processes on thebasis of instructions of the program codes and the functions of theembodiments mentioned above are realized by the processes.

[0127] Further, the invention also incorporates the case where theprogram codes read out from a memory medium are written in a memoryequipped for a function expanding board inserted in a computer or afunction expanding unit connected to the computer and, after that, a CPUor the like equipped for the function expanding board or functionexpanding unit executes a part or all of the actual processes on thebasis of instructions of the program codes, and the functions of theembodiments mentioned above are realized by the processes.

[0128] In case of applying the invention to the memory medium, althoughthe program codes corresponding to the flowcharts described above arestored in the memory medium, when briefly explaining, each module shownin the memory map example of FIG. 20 is stored in the memory medium.

[0129] Even in the case where when “favorite” is selected, the deviceconflict is checked, so that the user converts the set contents uponprinting in a lump by using “favorite”, the matched print setup can bealways performed to the device option of the device apparatus. Even whenthe adjusting process of the set contents (installation values) isautomatically performed, the user can know its situation by a message.

[0130] Since the device conflict is checked and the adjusting process ofthe set contents (set values) is performed even upon importing of“favorite”, it is possible to avoid that the user feels troublesomenesssuch that the message is displayed every time he selects “favorite”.This function is particularly effective in the case where “favorite” iscopied to a quite different device environment. Since the user canselect whether the set contents (set values) are adjusted upon importingor not, the original set contents can be left without performing theadjusting process.

What is claimed is:
 1. An information processing apparatus forperforming an output setup to a device apparatus by using a compoundsetup consisting of a combination of a plurality of setting items,comprising: selecting means for selecting said compound setup which isused for a designated device apparatus in the case where said compoundsetup can be used for a plurality of device apparatuses; and settingmeans for discriminating whether an output can be performed by contentsof each setting item of said compound setup in said device apparatus ornot in accordance with a function of said device apparatus in the casewhere the output setup is performed to said designated device apparatusby using said compound setup selected by said selecting means.
 2. Anapparatus according to claim 1, wherein when it is determined inaccordance with the function of said device apparatus that the outputcannot be performed by the contents of said setting items in saiddesignated device apparatus, said setting means performs the setup bythe contents according to the function of said device apparatus in placeof the contents of said setting items.
 3. An apparatus according toclaim 2, further comprising notifying means for, in the case where saidsetting means performs the setup in place of the contents of saidsetting items in accordance with the function of said device apparatus,notifying the user of its situation.
 4. An apparatus according to claim2, further comprising change selecting means for, in the case where saidsetting means performs the setup in place of the contents of saidsetting items in accordance with the function of said device apparatus,allowing the user to select its replacing method.
 5. An apparatusaccording to claim 2, further comprising confirming means for, in thecase where said setting means performs the setup in place of thecontents of said setting items in accordance with the function of saiddevice apparatus, allowing the user to confirm whether they are replacedor not.
 6. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: memorymeans for storing said compound setup; and reading means for reading outsaid compound setup from files and allowing said compound setup to bestored in said memory means, and wherein in the case where said compoundsetup is stored in said memory means, said reading means discriminateswhether the output can be performed by the contents of each setting itemin said device apparatus or not in accordance with the function of saiddevice apparatus.
 7. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when itis determined in accordance with the function of said device apparatusthat the output cannot be performed by the contents of said settingitems in said designated device apparatus, said reading means allowssaid compound setup to be stored by the contents according to thefunction of said device apparatus in place of the contents of saidsetting items.
 8. An apparatus according to claim 7, further comprisingsecond notifying means for, in the case where said reading means allowssaid compound setup to be stored in place of the contents of saidsetting items in accordance with the function of said device apparatus,notifying the user of its situation.
 9. An apparatus according to claim7, further comprising second change selecting means for, in the casewhere said reading means allows said compound setup to be stored inplace of the contents of said setting items in accordance with thefunction of said device apparatus, allowing the user to select itsreplacing method.
 10. An apparatus according to claim 7, furthercomprising second confirming means for, in the case where said readingmeans allows said compound setup to be stored in place of the contentsof said setting items in accordance with the function of said deviceapparatus, allowing the user to confirm whether the contents arereplaced or not.
 11. An apparatus according to claim 1, furthercomprising function memory means for storing the function of said deviceapparatus.
 12. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the functionof said device apparatus relates to the presence or absence of aninstallation of said device apparatus.
 13. An apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the function of said device apparatus is a two-sidedprinting function of said device apparatus.
 14. An apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein the function of said device apparatus is a staplingfunction of said device apparatus.
 15. An apparatus according to claim1, wherein the function of said device apparatus is a bookbindingprinting function of said device apparatus.
 16. An apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein the function of said device apparatus is a functionregarding cassette stages of said device apparatus.
 17. An apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the function of said device apparatus is afunction regarding a memory capacity of said device apparatus.
 18. Anapparatus according to claim 1, wherein in case of performing saidoutput setup in a user interface by using a plurality of setup sheets,said compound setup is a combination of said plurality of setting itemsover said plurality of setup sheets.
 19. An apparatus according to claim1, wherein said output setup is an output setup in a printer driver. 20.An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said output setup is anoutput setup in a printer driver by a printing operation in anapplication.
 21. An information processing method of performing anoutput setup to a device apparatus by using a compound setup consistingof a combination of a plurality of setting items, comprising: aselecting step of selecting said compound setup which is used for adesignated device apparatus in the case where said compound setup can beused for a plurality of device apparatuses; and a setting step ofdiscriminating whether an output can be performed by contents of eachsetting item of said compound setup in said device apparatus or not inaccordance with a function of said device apparatus in the case wherethe output setup is performed to said designated device apparatus byusing said compound setup selected in said selecting step.
 22. A methodaccording to claim 21, wherein when it is determined in accordance withthe function of said device apparatus that the output cannot beperformed by the contents of said setting items in said designateddevice apparatus, in said setting step, the setup is performed by thecontents according to the function of said device apparatus in place ofthe contents of said setting items.
 23. A method according to claim 22,further comprising a notifying step of, in the case where said settingstep performs the setup in place of the contents of said setting itemsin accordance with the function of said device apparatus, notifying theuser of its situation.
 24. A method according to claim 22, furthercomprising a change selecting step of, in the case where said settingstep performs the setup in place of the contents of said setting itemsin accordance with the function of said device apparatus, allowing theuser to select its replacing method.
 25. A method according to claim 22,further comprising a confirming step of, in the case where said settingstep performs the setup in place of the contents of said setting itemsin accordance with the function of said device apparatus, allowing theuser to confirm whether they are replaced or not.
 26. A method accordingto claim 21, further comprising a reading step of reading out saidcompound setup from files and allowing said compound setup to be storedin memory means, and wherein in said reading step, in the case wheresaid compound setup is stored in said memory means, whether the outputcan be performed by the contents of each setting item in said deviceapparatus or not is discriminated in accordance with the function ofsaid device apparatus.
 27. A method according to claim 26, wherein insaid reading step, when it is determined in accordance with the functionof said device apparatus that the output cannot be performed by thecontents of said setting items in said designated device apparatus, saidcompound setup is stored by the contents according to the function ofsaid device apparatus in place of the contents of said setting items.28. A method according to claim 27, further comprising a secondnotifying step of, in the case where said reading step allows saidcompound setup to be stored in place of the contents of said settingitems in accordance with the function of said device apparatus,notifying the user of its situation.
 29. A method according to claim 27,further comprising a second change selecting step of, in the case wheresaid reading step allows said compound setup to be stored in place ofthe contents of said setting items in accordance with the function ofsaid device apparatus, allowing the user to select its replacing method.30. A method according to claim 27, further comprising a secondconfirming step of, in the case where said reading step allows saidcompound setup to be stored in place of the contents of said settingitems in accordance with the function of said device apparatus, allowingthe user to confirm whether the contents are replaced or not.
 31. Amethod according to claim 21, further comprising a function storing stepof storing the function of said device apparatus into memory means. 32.A method according to claim 21, wherein the function of said deviceapparatus relates to the presence or absence of an installation of saiddevice apparatus.
 33. A method according to claim 21, wherein thefunction of said device apparatus is a two-sided printing function ofsaid device apparatus.
 34. A method according to claim 21, wherein thefunction of said device apparatus is a stapling function of said deviceapparatus.
 35. A method according to claim 21, wherein the function ofsaid device apparatus is a bookbinding printing function of said deviceapparatus.
 36. A method according to claim 21, wherein the function ofsaid device apparatus is a function regarding cassette stages of saiddevice apparatus.
 37. A method according to claim 21, wherein thefunction of said device apparatus is a function regarding a memorycapacity of said device apparatus.
 38. A method according to claim 21,wherein in case of performing said output setup in a user interface byusing a plurality of setup sheets, said compound setup is a combinationof said plurality of setting items over said plurality of setup sheets.39. A method according to claim 21, wherein said output setup is anoutput setup in a printer driver.
 40. A method according to claim 21,wherein said output setup is an output setup in a printer driver by aprinting operation in an application.
 41. An information processingprogram for performing an output setup to a device apparatus by using acompound setup consisting of a combination of a plurality of settingitems, comprising: a selecting step of selecting said compound setupwhich is used for a designated device apparatus in the case where saidcompound setup can be used for a plurality of device apparatuses; and asetting step of discriminating whether an output can be performed bycontents of each setting item of said compound setup in said deviceapparatus or not in accordance with a function of said device apparatusin the case where the output setup is performed to said designateddevice apparatus by using said compound setup selected in said selectingstep.
 42. A program according to claim 41, wherein when it is determinedin accordance with the function of said device apparatus that the outputcannot be performed by the contents of said setting items in saiddesignated device apparatus, in said setting step, the setup isperformed by the contents according to the function of said deviceapparatus in place of the contents of said setting items.
 43. A programaccording to claim 42, further comprising a notifying step of, in thecase where said setting step performs the setup in place of the contentsof said setting items in accordance with the function of said deviceapparatus, notifying the user of its situation.
 44. A program accordingto claim 42, further comprising a change selecting step of, in the casewhere said setting step performs the setup in place of the contents ofsaid setting items in accordance with the function of said deviceapparatus, allowing the user to select its replacing method.
 45. Aprogram according to claim 42, further comprising a confirming step of,in the case where said setting step performs the setup in place of thecontents of said setting items in accordance with the function of saiddevice apparatus, allowing the user to confirm whether they are replacedor not.
 46. A program according to claim 41, further comprising areading step of reading out said compound setup from files and allowingsaid compound setup to be stored in memory means, and wherein in saidreading step, in the case where said compound setup is stored in saidmemory means, whether the output can be performed by the contents ofeach setting item in said device apparatus or not is discriminated inaccordance with the function of said device apparatus.
 47. A programaccording to claim 46, wherein in said reading step, when it isdetermined in accordance with the function of said device apparatus thatthe output cannot be performed by the contents of said setting items insaid designated device apparatus, said compound setup is stored by thecontents according to the function of said device apparatus in place ofthe contents of said setting items.
 48. A program according to claim 47,further comprising a second notifying step of, in the case where saidreading step allows said compound setup to be stored in place of thecontents of said setting items in accordance with the function of saiddevice apparatus, notifying the user of its situation.
 49. A programaccording to claim 47, further comprising a second change selecting stepof, in the case where said reading step allows said compound setup to bestored in place of the contents of said setting items in accordance withthe function of said device apparatus, allowing the user to select itsreplacing method.
 50. A program according to claim 47, furthercomprising a second confirming step of, in the case where said readingstep allows said compound setup to be stored in place of the contents ofsaid setting items in accordance with the function of said deviceapparatus, allowing the user to confirm whether the contents arereplaced or not.
 51. A program according to claim 41, further comprisinga function storing step of storing the function of said device apparatusinto memory means.
 52. A program according to claim 41, wherein thefunction of said device apparatus relates to the presence or absence ofan installation of said device apparatus.
 53. A program according toclaim 41, wherein the function of said device apparatus is a two-sidedprinting function of said device apparatus.
 54. A program according toclaim 41, wherein the function of said device apparatus is a staplingfunction of said device apparatus.
 55. A program according to claim 41,wherein the function of said device apparatus is a bookbinding printingfunction of said device apparatus.
 56. A program according to claim 41,wherein the function of said device apparatus is a function regardingcassette stages of said device apparatus.
 57. A program according toclaim 41, wherein the function of said device apparatus is a functionregarding a memory capacity of said device apparatus.
 58. A programaccording to claim 41, wherein in case of performing said output setupin a user interface by using a plurality of setup sheets, said compoundsetup is a combination of said plurality of setting items over saidplurality of setup sheets.
 59. A program according to claim 41, whereinsaid output setup is an output setup in a printer driver.
 60. A programaccording to claim 41, wherein said output setup is an output setup in aprinter driver by a printing operation in an application.
 61. Acomputer-readable recording medium which stores an informationprocessing program for performing an output setup to a device apparatusby using a compound setup consisting of a combination of a plurality ofsetting items, wherein said information processing program comprises: aselecting step of selecting said compound setup which is used for adesignated device apparatus in the case where said compound setup can beused for a plurality of device apparatuses; and a setting step ofdiscriminating whether an output can be performed by contents of eachsetting item of said compound setup in said device apparatus or not inaccordance with a function of said device apparatus in the case wherethe output setup is performed to said designated device apparatus byusing said compound setup selected in said selecting step.
 62. A mediumaccording to claim 61, wherein when it is determined in accordance withthe function of said device apparatus that the output cannot beperformed by the contents of said setting items in said designateddevice apparatus, in said setting step, the setup is performed by thecontents according to the function of said device apparatus in place ofthe contents of said setting items.
 63. A medium according to claim 62,wherein said information processing program further comprises anotifying step of, in the case where said setting step performs thesetup in place of the contents of said setting items in accordance withthe function of said device apparatus, notifying the user of itssituation.
 64. A medium according to claim 62, wherein said informationprocessing program further comprises a change selecting step of, in thecase where said setting step performs the setup in place of the contentsof said setting items in accordance with the function of said deviceapparatus, allowing the user to select its replacing method.
 65. Amedium according to claim 62, wherein said information processingprogram further comprises a confirming step of, in the case where saidsetting step performs the setup in place of the contents of said settingitems in accordance with the function of said device apparatus, allowingthe user to confirm whether they are replaced or not.
 66. A mediumaccording to claim 61, wherein said information processing programfurther comprises a reading step of reading out said compound setup fromfiles and allowing said compound setup to be stored in memory means, andin said reading step, in the case where said compound setup is stored insaid memory means, whether the output can be performed by the contentsof each setting item in said device apparatus or not is discriminated inaccordance with the function of said device apparatus.
 67. A mediumaccording to claim 66, wherein in said reading step, when it isdetermined in accordance with the function of said device apparatus thatthe output cannot be performed by the contents of said setting items insaid designated device apparatus, said compound setup is stored by thecontents according to the function of said device apparatus in place ofthe contents of said setting items.
 68. A medium according to claim 67,wherein said information processing program further comprises a secondnotifying step of, in the case where said reading step allows saidcompound setup to be stored in place of the contents of said settingitems in accordance with the function of said device apparatus,notifying the user of its situation.
 69. A medium according to claim 67,wherein said information processing program further comprises a secondchange selecting step of, in the case where said reading step allowssaid compound setup to be stored in place of the contents of saidsetting items in accordance with the function of said device apparatus,allowing the user to select its replacing method.
 70. A medium accordingto claim 67, wherein said information processing program furthercomprises a second confirming step of, in the case where said readingstep allows said compound setup to be stored in place of the contents ofsaid setting items in accordance with the function of said deviceapparatus, allowing the user to confirm whether the contents arereplaced or not.
 71. A medium according to claim 61, wherein saidinformation processing program further comprises a function storing stepof storing the function of said device apparatus into memory means. 72.A medium according to claim 61, wherein the function of said deviceapparatus relates to the presence or absence of an installation of saiddevice apparatus.
 73. A medium according to claim 61, wherein thefunction of said device apparatus is a two-sided printing function ofsaid device apparatus.
 74. A medium according to claim 61, wherein thefunction of said device apparatus is a stapling function of said deviceapparatus.
 75. A medium according to claim 61, wherein the function ofsaid device apparatus is a bookbinding printing function of said deviceapparatus.
 76. A medium according to claim 61, wherein the function ofsaid device apparatus is a function regarding cassette stages of saiddevice apparatus.
 77. A medium according to claim 61, wherein thefunction of said device apparatus is a function regarding a memorycapacity of said device apparatus.
 78. A medium according to claim 61,wherein in case of performing said output setup in a user interface byusing a plurality of setup sheets, said compound setup is a combinationof said plurality of setting items over said plurality of setup sheets.79. A medium according to claim 61, wherein said output setup is anoutput setup in a printer driver.
 80. A medium according to claim 61,wherein said output setup is an output setup in a printer driver by aprinting operation in an application.